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Newcastle announce Ben Arfa exit

Hatem Ben Arfa's contract with Newcastle United has been terminated by mutual consent, leaving the attacker free to complete a move to Nice.

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Written ByChristopher Devine

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Ligue 1 side Nice announced on Saturday that they had agreed a
deal in principle to sign the 27-year-old, who recently had an
unsuccessful stint on loan at Hull City.

Newcastle have now cleared the way for Ben Arfa to move on,
coming to an agreement that ends the player's stay at St James'
Park.

A statement from the Premier League club on Sunday read:
"Newcastle United can confirm that Hatem Ben Arfa and the club have
reached an agreement to terminate the contract between both parties
with immediate effect by mutual consent.

"Newcastle United wishes Hatem all the best for his future."

Ben Arfa joined Newcastle on a season-long loan from Marseille
in August 2010 before making the move permanent in the following
transfer window.

The winger offered moments of brilliance during his time with
Newcastle, but also came in for criticism over a perceived lack of
application.

After falling out of favour under manager Alan Pardew, who moved
to Crystal Palace earlier this week, Ben Arfa was offered a chance
to resurrect his Premier League career with a temporary switch to
Hull at the beginning of September.

However, he failed to impress Steve Bruce and was soon dropped,
with the Hull boss telling BBC Radio Humberside: "Talent without
hard work means you won't live up to your potential."

Nice are poised to complete the signing of Ben Arfa on Monday,
subject to a successful medical.